Automatic lighter.



S. B. BATTEY.

AUTOKATIO LIGHTER.

urnxuumx nun 23.1.1001

Pented Sept 13, 1910.

BUMTEB B. BATTEY, 0F NEW YORK, N. Y.

' acronyme Home.

Bpeeication of Letten Intent.

Patented Sept. 13, 1910.

Application led April 7, 1909. Serial No. 488,538.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, SUMTER B. BA'rrnY, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the borough of Manhattan, city of New York, county and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improve,- ments in Automatic Lighters, as set forth in the following specification.

This invention relates to lighters and more particularly to self-contained, ortable, self-igniting pocket lighters for lighting cigars, cigarettes, and for general light- 1n purposes. V

bjects of the invention are to provide for the storage of a maximum quantity of combustible medium in a minimum space; to provide for the storage of a vaporizable, combustible liuid, which may be alcohol, any suitable ydro-carbon, or anyy other suitable liquid; to provide for the discharge of measurable uantities of the said liquid at the will of t e operator; to provide for the positive delivery of said measurable uantities of liquid to a. burner; to rovide or the positive delivery. of air to t e said burner which may include the delivery of air under regulated pressure; to provide for the spraying of the vaporizable liquid into the burner; to combine with the burner a catalytic agent for the purpose of self-ignition; to provide for the proper control of the measuring ot' liquid charges; and in general to improve the reliability and construction of a device of the class described.

The above and further objects of the invention will be a parent from the following specification an claims which should be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, in which like characters designate corresponding parts, and in which,-

Figure 1 is a plan view of one form of the device; Fig. 2 is a. vertical section through line II-II of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section corresponding to Fig. 2 and showing details; Fig. 4 is a vertical section showing a modification of portions of the device and with other portions broken away; Fig. 5 is a vertical section showin a second modification of the device embodying a tandem arrangement of burner and storage chamber; and Fig. 6 is an enlar ed detail section, with parts broken away, o the device shown in Fig. 5.

Referring now more in detail to the drawings,-1 indicates an outside shell which is shown uniform in cross section and cylindrical although it is to be understood that its cross section may be anything desired. An inside shell 2 is litted to telescope within the outside shell 1. The outside shell 1 has a bottom closure 3 and the inside shell has top and bottom closures 4 and 5, which are threaded into the shell 2 and are adjustable in position. The top closure 4 is shown provided with a flange 6 to rest against the rim of the outside shell 1 and determine the normal size of the measuring chamber 7 within the outside shell 1 and limited by the closures 3 and 5. This chamber 7, as indicated by the drawings, is a redetermined ortion within the cavity of t e outside shel 1 and may be enlarged by withdrawing the interior shell 2, which together with its end closures, forms a storage chamber 8 for the vaporizable combustible liquid indicated. A burner 9 is suitably mounted exteriorly to the shells 1 and 2 and is shown secured to the shell 1 by an extension 10. This burner provides a burner opening `11 which may be closed by the sliding sleeve 12. A frame 13 is suitably supported or suspended within the burner 9 and is shown suspended from the top closure 14. This frame 13 holds suspended by means of platinum filaments 15, u catalytic agent shown in the forni of a pellet 1G of sponge platinum.

.\n attenuated duct 17 leads from the interior of the shell 1 to the burner. At the base of the burner this duct is shown enlarged to form a retention chamber 18 which opens into the burner through a small oritice 19.

Then the shells 1 and 2 are completely telescoped the lower rim of shell 2 closes the inlet opening 20 of the duct 17 in the forni of the device shown in Figs. 2 and 4 while a spring pressed mushroom valve 21 accomplishes the same purpose in the modification shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

Suitable valve means is provided for freeing liquid from the chamber 8 into the measuring chamber 7.` In Figs. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 conical valve members 22 and 23 are fitted into conical holes in the end closures 4 and 5 respectively. These conical valve members are connected by a tubular stem 24 which, together with the members 22 and 23 provides a duct 27 from the chamber 7 to the outer air. A check valve 25 ma be provided for this duct to permit the ownward passage of air and to check its exit; or this valve may be omitted and reliancemay be had upon the operators linger restmg over the end 26 to close the duct 27 through the tube 24.

Ports 28 and 29 leading from the chamber 8 through the closures 4 and 5 respectively to the conical valve members 22 and 23 and as illustrated. Registerable ports 30 and 31 are formed in the conical valve members 22 and 23 respectively, each leading to the duct 27. A. turning handle 32 is suitably secured to the valve member 22 whereby the two valve members 22 and 23 may be rotated so as either to cause the ports 30 and 31 to register with the ports 28 and 29 or to close the ports 28 and 29 according to whether. the handle 32 is in the position shown in Fignl and held by catch 33 against stop or 1s 1n position to be held by catch 35 against sto 36. There is also shown in Fig. 2 a secon duct 37 lead from the interior of the shell and proed with a controlling valve 38 and terminating in a constricted nozzle 39 aimed across the orifice 19. It should be noted that this duct enters the shell 1 considerably above the locality at .which the duct 17 enters for a purpose which will be apparent later. This duct 37 may be termed the atomizing duct and is designed to deliver air free from liquid.

In the modified construction shown in Fig. 4 the telescoping shells and their end closures may be the same' as heretofore def scribed. An intake check valve 25 is, however, located on the end closure 3 and comprises a valve proper 25 in the form of a disk of suitable material seating upon the inturned flange 25 and held in place by the spider 25". A packing Washer 40 is also shown suitably secured to the inside shell to coperate with the interior of the outside shell and to permit a loose lit between shells 1 and 2. An opening 30 is formed centrally in the closure 4 through which extends a lindrical stem 24 provided with a manip ating knob 26 and having a lateral cut out portion 28 to act as a port. To economize space the stem 24 may be reduced as shown at 24" and it terminates at its lower end in a conical plug valve 23' which may be guided by u rights 5 formed on the closure 5 to insure the seating of this plug valve in the conical seat 23" formed about the duct 29 leading through the closure 5. Aspiral sp 41 pressing against the cross pin 42 norma ly tends to seat the plug valve 23. In connection with this modification it is to be understood that the burner parts and ducts may be the same as those previously described, although not of necessity.

In connection with the modification shown in Figs. 5 and 6 it is to be understood that the parts characterized by numeral of the same character are specifically the same as those shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Thev principal modification shown in these Figs. 5 and 6 is the tandem alined ent of the burner 10 and the shells 1 and 2. The extension 10 is shown as a continuation of the shell 1 although this is not ny the only form, as the pu of the extension 10 is to support the urner. The duct 17 is normally closed by valve 21 as previously described. Operation: The device illustrated in Fig. 2 is shown with its parts in position to measure out a charge of the combustible liquid. 'Illhe chamber 8 is in communication with teouterairthroughtheports28 30and duct 27. This chamber is also inmmunication with the m chamber 7 through the' ports 29, 31 and duct 27. The ducts 17 and 37V are cut 0K by the inside shell 2. Liquid will llow out of the chamber 8 so as completely to fill the chamber 7, air taking the place of the liquid that has flowed out of chamber 8. This operation is speedy, it being practically n only to manipulate the handle 32 into the tion illustrated and then move it a inst stop 36 which completely closes the clamber 8 both from the atmosphere and from the chamber 7. The flange 6 of the top closure 4 is then grasped by the fingers and the inside shell construction lifted upwardly when air under vatmospheric pressure rushes through the duct 27 l the check valve 25 to lill the chamber 7 which has now been expanded to many times its original capacity and which contains a measured charge of the combustible liquid. The next operation is to force down the inside shell construction which acts as a piston and by properly tilting the device causes the measured charge of combustible liquid to be expelled through the duct 17 to the burner 9. This liquid first flows into the retentiglxgclimber 18 which may be of a capacty y greater than eno h to contain the measured charge of liquuid. After the liquid has been forced into the retenf tion chamber from the duct 17, the liquid in small particles is forcibly delivered into the burner 9 with mingled air. The frame 13 is so arranged as to prevent liquid being projected directl against the catalgltic agent 16. The vapor Yrom the liquid is own upwardly about the catalc 16 and is i ited to burn with a last u projected t rough the opening 11.

Aswillbeseenfromthedrawingsanadditional duct 37 has been illustrated. This duct may be omitted or ma be put out of commimn by a valve 38 w en its function `is not desired. It is especially desirable in cold weather. It leaves the interior of shell 1 considerably above the level of the measured quantity of combustible liquid and delivers comparatively pure air to the nozzle 39 which directs a blast of air transversely to the orifice 19 and serves to aid in finely dividin or atomizin the combustible vaorizab e li uid as it is delivered to the urner and acilitates vuporization and consequently quick ignition by the catalytic agent 16.

Althou h the operation has been described aove as it occurs when the retention chamber 18 is provided, it is to be understood that this retention chamber is by no means a necessary feature of the device. For some purposes all that is necessary is controllable means for delivering a Vaporizable combustible liquid to the interior of the burner casing,'the interior walls of which rovide a pocket or pan for holding .the liquid introduced. This liquid vaporizes within the burner casin is ignited by the catalytic agent, also wit iin the casing. and burns through the burner opening 11. lt is. of course, to be understood that the charge of the liquid within the burner casing may be more quickly vaporized b injectin air through the duct which first elivered liquid or by shaking the lighter all to agitate the liquid in the casing. A llame is maintained until this entire charge of liquid is consumed. It has been found that this operation is entirely satisfactory Without the provision of a wick of any kind.

In connection with the modification shown in Fig. 4 the o )eration is similar except that the valve mecllianism for freeing the initial charge of measured liquid is controlled by a longitudinal movement instead of a rotary movement. The knob 26 is lifted to allow the liquid to run out of the duct 29 into the measuring chamber 7, air entering the chamber 8 through the port 28', which opens when valve 23 is lifted. The valve 23 seats itself and the chamber 8 is alltomaticaly closed upon releasin the knob 26. Upon separating the two she ls 1 and 2 air enters chamber 7 through the check valve 25. Upon pushing the shellsl together the combustible liquid 'is ex elled in a manner similar to that previous described, check valve 25 automatically c osing.

The operation of the modification shown in Figs. 5 and 6 is slightly different from anything previously described, but its parts operate the same as those of Fig. 2. The device is held in an upright ositioii while measuring out the char es of liquid and the valves are manipulate as heretofore described. When the chamber 7 is receiving its charge the mushroom valve 2l closes the duct 17. When it is desired to separate the shells 1 and 2 the device should be held horizontally. On pushing the shells together to eX el the charge of liquid and air the device s ould be inclined more or less gradually toward the vertical position illustrated in the drawings.

It is to be understood that merely illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described and that all modicatons as well as all possible combinations of the various parts are contemplated.

What is claimed and what is desired to be secured by United States -Letters Patent is 1. In a pocket lighter, a wickless burner comprisinga casing providing liquid retaining walls; a catalytic agent fixed within said cusin a reservoir for vaporizable combustibl iquid; a duct leading from said reservoir to said burner; and manual] operable means for causin the delivery o a portion of said combustib e liquid still in liquid form into said burner casing.

2. In a self-i niter, means providin a chamber for storing vaporizable combustible liquid; a burner comprising a casing with a catalytic agent fixed therein and both mounted exteriorly to said chamber; means for freeing some of said liquid from said chamber; and provisions comprising a movable wall for ositively delivering the freed liquid to said liurner. A

3. A pocket-lighter comprising, a burner; means providing a storage chamber for vaporizable combustible liquid and a measuring chamber for said liquid; means for opening and closing communication between said chambers; and a duct leading from said measuring chamber to said burner and providing for the conduction of a measured charge of said liquid to said burner.

4. In a lighter a Wickless burner comprising a casing liaving a burner opening and a liquid retention pocket; a catalytic agent fixed within said casing; and manually operable means for causing the delivery of vaporizable combustible liquid still in liquid form to said pocket.

5. In a lighter, a burner; a retention chamber at the base of said burner; a duct leading to said retention chamber; and means for forcing a vaporizable combustible liquid into said retention chamber and for forcibly delivering air to spray the said liquid into the burner.

6. In a self-i iter, a burner in combination with a cata tic a ent; a retention chamber at the base o said urner; a duct leading to said retention chamber; and means for forcing a vaporizablecombustible liquid into said retention chamber and for forcibly delivering air to spray the said liquid into the burner.

7. In a lighter, an outside shell with a closure at one end; an interior shell with a closure at both ends and telescoping within said outside shell and forming a storage chamber for a va orizable combustible liquid; the closure o the outside shell and one closure of the inside shell forming an enlargable liquid measuring chamber Within the outside shell; valve I neans for opening and closing communication between said chambers; means providing for the intake of air into the enlarging measuring chamber upon the withdrawing of said interior shell; a burner outside of said shells; and a duct leading from the interior of said outside shell to said burner.

8. In a self igniter, a. burner casing enclosi a catalytic agent, having a burner open- `ng, and provid a pockd. for va rizable combustible liqui and con'ollab e means for delivering such liquid still in liquid form to said potlllezii hgh tubular 9. In a etter means rovding a storage chamber for a vapo le, combustible medium; a burner in combination with a catalytic t secured in tandem alinement to said tu ular means and exteriorly thereto; a liquid measuring chamber intermediate said Stora chamber and burner; and valve contro ed ducts connecting said chambers and burner.

10. In a pocket-lighter, tubular means pro- Y viding a storage chamber for a. vaporizable, combustible medium; a burner in combination with a catalytic agent secured in tandem alinement to said tubular means and xteriorly thereto; an intermediate measur ing chamber; and valve controlled ducts leading from said measuring chamber to said burner.

11. In a. lighter, a burner; a sto chamber for vaporizable, combustible liquid; a liquid duct leadingto said burner; an air duct leading to said burner and directed across the opening of said liquid duct; and means for forcing liquid thro h said liquid duct and air through said air uct.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

- S. B. BATTEY. Witnessesz LEONARD DAY, Eason B. SAMMIs. 

